Ah, Coffee.....

If you want to have a constant reminder of how wonderful coffee is AND you would like a really cool topper for your window, here it is! Contact a nearby coffee roastery and see if they will give you any burlap bags. They have these awesome and unique bags from the coffee farmers. I got mine from Batdorf and Bronson roastery in Atlanta and all they asked of me was to make a donation to Coffee Kids.

Okay, so now you have the bags. The rest is a breeze. I had to turn the bags sideways for most of the windows in my kitchen and lengthwise on the French doors. No sewing was involved. I cut a hole in bottom corner of the bag so that I could place a rod through it to be hung. Next, I used ribbon to tie up the swag and make more of a finished look.

I just love coffee!

Drop What You Are Doing!

Do you want a new look on your windows but don't want to spend a hand and a foot? Do you like the pictured window panel? It was around $20 and sew freaking easy!

Run up to the nearest Lowe's and get a painter's drop cloth (less than $10). I used a 6 x 9, but they have different sizes to fit your needs. If you want to add fringe, run to the fabric store and get that too. Look for a sale and coupons! Run home to your sewing machine (or stitch witchery). Sew the fringe onto the backside of the panel, on the edge. Lastly, IRON the Hades out of the panel. It was very helpful to use REAL starch during this process. To hang the panel, fold the top over so that the fringe hangs down and appears to be a valance over the panel. Making sense?? Hang the panel with clips and voila.... you have a gorgeous window treatment!!!

Be crafty with this. There are so many things you can do with a drop cloth and some trim. The options are endless!!!

Cra-Z!

Aside from shoes and coffee, family is my - absolute, definite, ultimate, favorite, bom diggity and most important aspect of my life! If you do not have family get-togethers to celebrate every thing you can celebrate, you are missing out! From the tiny babies to the old ladies - my family rocks!

A few family members visited today, including my sweet grandmother (AKA - Nana). She is approaching her 81st birthday this month! She is the same as she always has been. Well, almost. My childhood is filled with memories of family get-togethers and Nana. It is difficult to think of her as 'old'. She is the same in my mind as she always has been. Before I ramble on and on nostalgically (word?), I will stop myself.

The point is - enjoy your family! Spend time with them, love all their crazy and soak up every minute. Can family drive you over the edge? Yes, rhetorical question. It is okay! Go crazy and love your family. They are the only one you have!

BTW - the Marshmallow Puff recipe is a must. You gotta try it!!

Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs

This recipe was given to me by Stacy Fuson. It is great for brunch or dessert! The puffs are like little donuts.

1/4 cup sugar
2 T flour1
t. cinnamon
2 (8 oz) cans crescent rolls
16 large marshmallows
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Glaze:1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
2 to 3 t. milk

1. Heat oven to 375. Spray 16 muffin cups with spray. In small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon; mix well.2. Separate dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow in melted butter; roll in sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on shortest side of triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover marshmallow with dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in sprayed muffin cup.3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown (may need to place foil or cookie sheet on rack below to guard against spills). Cool in pan 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on wire racks over waxed paper (I don't do this, I just take them out and put them on a plate!). 4. In small bowl, blend powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.

Note: I half this recipe for our family...

A Monkey Could Do It!

All I have to say is WOW! For almost 40 years now, the sewing machine has been an intimidating monster that scared the beJesus out of me. Why the fear? It is just a little machine afterall! I did what had to be done. I conquered my fear of the dreaded sewing machine, dun dun dun.....

Sew freaking easy! Last Friday, a friend dropped her daughter off for a sleepover and we started talking (surprise). Anyway, I mentioned that I got a sewing machine for Christmas and had been teaching myself how to work the dumb little thing. She showed me her daughter's adorable little dress that she had made, herself, with a dumb little machine like mine! Sew, the challenge was on. I went to the fabric store immediately and got some fabric, ribbon, thread and bias tape. In an hour, it was complete. The first dress that my dumb little machine made. It is sad and exciting that my Friday night was made whole by sewing a dress. Oh yes, I already mentioned that I am in my thirties and obviously have kids. So no, Friday nights are not what they used to be.

Disclaimer: when I blog, I like to write like I am writing in a journal. No editing or any of that nonsense. So, if you see typoes or grammer errors, get over it!

Can't. Hold. On. Much. Longer.........

The first month of 2011 is complete and the year of being organized-ish is well underway. Every day for the last month, this house has been undergoing a major overhaul. Cleaning out closets (monsters included), completing projects, and getting everyone on track. It is being done. One project at a time. One day at a time. One mental breakdown at a time. It will get done.

This week's task is to teach the children to take care of their shit. Yes, that's right - shit. That's what it is. Papers, crafts, stuffies, toys.... all over the flipping place! The end has come. It is over. Mommy is hanging off the cliff and about to let go.

The gauntlet came down last night, hard (at least to 'Sassy' and 'Big Sis' the punishment was severe). Instructions were given for bedtime and 20 minutes later..... nothing had been done. The worst punishment ever - Pink Baby and Lambie were taken away for the night. The girls were distraught, especially Sassy. Why she wants to sleep with that smellie baby is beyond me, but she does. The day came to a tearful close.

This morning was a breeze! Backpacks were ready. Outfits were ready. Coffee was ready (key to survival among these youngins). All went well until...... bedtime. Now the lying has begun. When Sassy (7 year old) was asked: "Did you brush your teeth", her answer did not match reality. She had learned last night's lesson regarding consequences and not completing tasks. So, she lied. She really underestimated our intelligence. Honestly, it is not difficult to know if someone has brushed their teeth. Halitosis much? So, Pink Baby is once again, sleeping alone. And so is her owner. Very sad indeed. Tomorrow night WILL be better.

I am not too sure about anyone else but I HATE repeating the same instructions over and over and over and over and over, ad nauseam? So, I made a sign for the girls' bathroom. Will it help? Surely not. But, it is pretty cute.

Back From the Grave

So, where have I been for a year? Well, probably stuck in a closet of mass destruction or with a mop and broom in hand or driving the mini-taxi around Marietta. Whatever the case, I have not been here and I am deeply sorry for that.

For a couple of weeks now, I have been on a very strict eating plan (I like to call it Hell, for short) and for some unknown reason, have had the strongest of urges to cook. Here are a couple of recipes out of this month's Southern Living that were divine (according to mi familia). Enjoy! And don't forget the sweet tea, ya'll!

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Hands-on: 12 minutes Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
1 (15.5-oz.) can original sloppy joe sauce
1 (15-oz.) can chili with beans
1/2 (30-oz.) package frozen country-style shredded hash browns (about 4 cups)
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425°. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 7 to 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and chili.
2. Spoon chili mixture into 8 lightly greased 10-oz. ramekins. Top with frozen hash browns.
3. Bake, covered, at 425° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until browned and crisp. Sprinkle with cheese, and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
Note: We tested with Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce and Hormel Chili with Beans. Chili mixture can be baked in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish as directed.

Southern Living, FEBRUARY 2011

Praline-Pecan French Toast

The Twist: A short-order breakfast special gets an easy hands-off finish in the oven.
Hands-on: 20 minutes Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients
1 (16-oz.) French bread loaf
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3/4 cup chopped pecans
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation
1. Cut 10 (1-inch-thick) slices of bread. Reserve remaining bread for another use.
2. Stir together brown sugar and next 2 ingredients; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
3. Whisk together eggs and next 4 ingredients. Arrange bread slices over pecans; pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and chill 8 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake bread 35 to 37 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Southern Living, FEBRUARY 2011